Fun ride raises money for YANA

JOHN HERSCHMILLER CYCLES on one of the Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride training rides.

On Aug. 18 hundreds of cyclists will take to the road with one common goal – raise money for Comox Valley families.

Why not join them?

The Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride is a fun, challenging and unique bicycle ride through the beautiful Comox Valley. Whatever your ability there is a ride to enjoy, 25, 50 or 100km. There will also be a 5km family ride and for little ones not yet using pedals there is a special run bike race.

“The goal of the day is to get on your bike, bring your family and friends and come out to have some fun,” says Patti Fletcher, co-owner of Simon’s Cycles. “It doesn’t matter which route you choose, you will have a beautiful ride.”

She goes on to explain that participants will have access to fueling stations. “We are working with some great sponsors, cyclists will be treated to Natures Way organic blueberries, Hot Chocolates and Cumberland Village Bakery’s world-famous doughnuts.”

Other perks for participants include a lunch hosted by Salish Seafood and Tria Culinary, draw prizes including a $500 gift certificate from Simon’s Cycles and much more.

John and Jan Herschmiller are registered to complete the 100km ride and say, “We support YANA because of the immediate and long-term aid that it is able to provide for Comox Valley families when they are in a painful and stressful time concerning their child’s health. The YANA Ride is a way of publicly showing our support, and hopefully encouraging others along the way.“

You Are Not Alone (YANA) was founded in 1986 and the mandate is simple; when a child aged 0-19 living within School District 71 needs to leave the Comox Valley to receive medical treatment that is unavailable locally YANA is available to help. YANA offers assistance with accommodations and provides funding to help cover expenses while families are away from home.

YANA’s executive director Marcie Dumais appreciates the community’s support for this year’s ride, “We have been so well supported, our sponsors have covered all of our expenses, this means that every registration dollar and all pledge money, will go directly where it is intended, to Comox Valley families – that feels great!”

The Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride takes place Aug. 18. All routes start from Marina Park in Comox. There are many ways for you to get involved, you can register, volunteer or pledge a participants, for more information visit www.yanacomoxvalley.com